Robotech Ii:

Dead Tv Series Is Given New Life In Comics By The Hands Of Artistic Toano Twosome

April 05, 1989|By BILL McLAUGHLIN Staff Writer

When identical twins John and Jason Waltrip of Toano were students at Lafayette High School, their drawing talent was unquestioned.

* Jason wrote a comic strip for the school newspaper and won several awards. He also took third place in a poster contest sponsored by the Virginia Division of Forestry. The trophy is still displayed in Lafayette's trophy case.

* John illustrated the cover of the yearbook and did the interior artwork.

* The two were responsible for a dramatic mural in the school's Commons area showing four rams - representing the school's freshman through senior classes - climbing to the top of a mountain.

* Both received scholarships when they graduated in 1981 to help pay part of their expenses at Virginia Commonwealth University, where they received bachelor of fine arts degrees four years later.

That drawing talent is now familiar to comic book fans throughout the United States, Canada and Australia in the pages of "Robotech II: The Sentinels."

The Waltrips became interested in comic book illustrations while they were attending college. In early 1988, they did some illustrations for a friend, comic book writer Emery Barnes. He sent samples of their work to Eternity Comics.

After seeing it, Eternity officials wanted them as the regular art team for the series "Robotech II," a comic book sequel to the highly successful television show that was aired in 1985. But at the time, the publishers were still negotiating for the rights to the series.

"We had them sit still," says Chris Ulm, editor in chief of Eternity. "We couldn't even tell them what they were waiting for."

Once Eternity acquired the license for the comic book series, the Waltrips were first on their list to call.

"I couldn't dial the number fast enough," says Ulm.

The Waltrips began work in June 1988. They decided to alternate on the monthly issues, with Jason doing the first, scheduled for publication in November 1988, and John the second, scheduled for December. While the series was in pre-production, Jason Waltrip designed a full-color poster for it featuring its heroes, Admiral Rick Hunter and Lisa Hayes.

They were sent a script, describing what the panels should contain, and an artist's manual, showing the characters. Since the series is based on a sequel set 10 years after the original, the characters have aged 10 years.

"Robotech II: The Sentinels" is based on 65 unproduced episodes of a proposed TV series. Each TV episode contains enough material for two comic books, so the series has the potential for 130 issues - or a run of more than 10 years. The Waltrips originally signed a contract for 10 issues, but they are now contracted through issue 20.

"We start working about noon and go far into the night," says John Waltrip, older of the twins by five minutes.

"Some people work from sun to sun, but a comic artist's work is never done," says Jason Waltrip.

The covers of each issue are in full color; the inside pages are done in a "black/white/gray process which shows a wonderful sense of depth and gives the series something of a gritty, earthy flavor," says Ulm.

The comic has been so well received the first issue sold more than 38,000 copies and a second printing is being made. Letters to the editors praise the comic book - and its artwork. One terms the work by the Waltrips as "just simply spectacular."

The artists are best known locally for the pastel portraits they painted at Busch Gardens, The Old Country, and the stills and animation they did for Colonial Williamsburg on its reproduction of an 18th-century fire engine.

The sons of David and Virginia Waltrip, they still do some freelance illustrations, although most of their time is taken up with the comic book series.

"The work is meticulous and tedious, but it's very creative and enjoyable," says John Waltrip.

"The positive response we've received from the fans is a shot in the arm," says Jason Waltrip.

Comic book fans have come to recognize what those connected with Lafayette High School found out a long time ago.